As the first stage of diabetic neuropathy, prediabetic neuropathy refers to nerve damage that occurs in people who have not yet done so. As the first stage of diabetic neuropathy, prediabetic neuropathy refers to nerve damage that occurs in people who have not yet been diagnosed with diabetes but who have higher than normal blood sugar levels. This condition can be a warning sign of the development of diabetes and should not be ignored. Usually, we trace the course of the disease in five distinct stages. Diabetic neuropathy is caused by long-term high blood sugar levels that damage peripheral nerves, especially in the feet, toes and ankles.
Diabetic neuropathy progresses through three stages. The early stages usually include mild tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation in the feet. In the moderate stage, these symptoms become more frequent and painful, with possible muscle weakness or loss of coordination. Severe neuropathy causes a loss of sensation, making it difficult to detect wounds and injuries and increasing the risk of serious infections and complications.
Common symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy include acute pain, cramps, swelling, frequent infections, and loss of muscle tone. If left untreated, these symptoms can lead to ulcers, deformities, or even the loss of a limb. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve function, control symptoms and recommend treatment to control pain, prevent complications and delay progression. If you have symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for advice and guidance on managing this condition.
Peripheral neuropathy, the most common type, primarily affects the extremities. Symptoms of this type include neuropathic pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands or feet. These are some of the first symptoms you may experience during the first stage of diabetic neuropathy:. You may also have burning sensations in your extremities or experience sensitivity to touch.
This first stage includes subtle symptoms that are easy to overlook. You may experience periods of pain or numbness in your hands or feet. Keep in mind that these symptoms can be easily controlled at this stage. Neuropathy at this time is usually due to excessive sugar consumption.
Change your diet immediately if you notice these symptoms. Avoid junk food, candy, simple carbohydrates, and hyperglycemic foods. The potential complications of advanced diabetic neuropathy extend to increased susceptibility to foot pain, infections, and even the risk of lower limb amputation if not treated diligently. Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) affects several peripheral sensory and motor nerves that branch from the spinal cord to the arms, hands, legs and feet.
This type of diabetic neuropathy affects one nerve at a time and the symptoms depend on the nerve affected. Autonomic neuropathy is also prevalent in diabetes and can affect gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and genitourinary organs. On the other hand, diabetic neuropathy affects nerves and can cause a variety of symptoms, such as tingling, numbness, or pain in the feet. Professional foot care and therapeutic shoes and insoles have helped reduce lower limb amputation rates in patients with diabetes mellitus.
The following can provide you with a basic understanding of the different types of treatments for diabetic neuropathy. Western Reserve Hospital provides valuable resources and support for those with diabetic neuropathy. An important thing to keep in mind is that, although stage 1 neuropathy is usually due to excessive sugar consumption, most people are not yet diagnosed with diabetes at this stage and, in fact, a fasting blood sugar test can return normal results. It is critical to prioritize personal care and seek support from health professionals to effectively address the complexities of this condition and treat all types of non-diabetic and diabetic neuropathy.
In contrast, diabetic neuropathy results from prolonged high blood sugar levels and encompasses a variety of nerve damage, including peripheral, autonomic, proximal, and focal neuropathies. Proactive treatment plays a critical role in addressing the challenges posed by advanced diabetic neuropathy. When addressing advanced diabetic neuropathy, it is essential to prioritize personalized care and manage well-being in a way proactive.
